Shrink cotton doiley

[Grandma598]

Is it possible to purposely shrink a small cotton crocheted piece, just slightly so it will fit a special frame?

[Granny Square]

I don't think so (and I'm a thready).   And if it is multiple colors, don't get it near hot water as colors may run (red seems to be notorious for this).  When I block a doily I usually stretch it fairly aggressively;  you could possibly re-block it to be a bit smaller, but that depends, and probably not by a  whole lot, especially if it's small since you have less to work with.

Edit - is it a newly made thing, or an antique?  If it's 'small', and you made it, I'd re-make it with a smaller hook or even choose a smaller thread and hook.  And if it's an heirloom, even a few decades old, I'd be very careful of it - cotton thread does break down over time.

Edited November 9, 2019 by Granny Square